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November 4, 2026
November 4, 2026
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Working With a Real Estate Lawyer in Etobicoke: What to Expect When You Buy or Sell

Hiring a real estate lawyer in Etobicoke sometimes starts with a phone call that begins, “So, I think I bought a house.” The offer went in at 11 p.m., the sellers accepted by breakfast, and now someone has to read what was signed. Every home purchase or sale in Ontario closes through a lawyer. Etobicoke adds a few local wrinkles specific to Toronto: municipal Toronto […]
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August 31, 2026
A beneficiary living in estate property refuses to leave as an estate trustee and lawyer arrive at the door with estate administration papers.
August 31, 2026
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Squatter’s Rights: What Happens When a Beneficiary of an Ontario Estate Refuses to Leave the House

Most of what I know about a beneficiary living in estate property in Ontario, I learned from parents, sitting across from me in my office, who assumed that everything would work itself out. The setup can differ but the result is the same. An adult child has been in the house for years, paying little to nothing, and everyone in the family seemingly understands they’ll […]
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May 28, 2026
First dealings exemption shield protecting Ontario homeowners from probate tax
May 28, 2026
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The First Dealings Exemption: How Some Homes Can Avoid Probate

The first dealings exemption came up with a client recently who had owned their home in Etobicoke since 1972. When I asked whether they had any plans to move, they looked at me like I’d suggested something criminal. You’ll have to drag me out by the legs with my fingernails scraping the floors, they said. For an estate planner, this can be the best answer […]
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April 23, 2026
AI can draft but lawyer judgement makes the difference.
April 23, 2026
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AI and Legal Fees: Why A Lawyer’s Judgment Is One Thing AI Can’t Replace

A client sent me an email recently that captures most of what I want to say about AI and legal fees. It had bolded subheadings, a numbered list, and a “Next Steps” section at the bottom. They were updating me on a file that had been open for weeks. The email was organized beautifully, but it did not contain a single fact I could use. […]
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March 1, 2026
Cartoon illustration of a man protecting his will with a shield while others try to challenge it
March 1, 2026
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Can a Will Be Challenged in Ontario? A Guide on How to Avoid Litigation and Probate Disputes

In my years of practising wills and estates in Etobicoke, I continue to notice something that catches me off guard, even now. People can come into my office with extraordinary clarity about what they don’t want. I don’t want my sibling to see a penny of this. My son-in-law is not getting his hands on what I’ve spent a lifetime building. If any of my […]
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February 14, 2026
Cartoon couple surrounded by hearts and flowers with text 'Will You Be My Power of Attorney?'"
February 14, 2026
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Powers of Attorney Deserve As Much Attention As Your Will

Valentine’s Day celebrates partnership. Your will and your Power of Attorney? Also a partnership. One gets all the attention. The other still does some heavy lifting. Everyone loves a good Will. Wills get the Hollywood treatment. Dramatic readings, family intrigue, surprise beneficiaries. Your Powers of Attorney? They’re stuck in a drawer and forgotten until you’re in a hospital waiting room and you desperately need it. […]
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